In issue 49 of ‘X-O Manowar’ there stands Ninjak. He’s next to Aric of Dacia, watching commander Trill looking as manic as ever. The thing is that whenever that ninja-spy is around, the end of the world is closely following behind. Those who seem to be bringing on the apocalypse are the Torment, ancient beings, so old that the alien race the Vine barely remember them. But the High Vine Priest knows who they are and sees no way of defeating them.
Robert Venditi has created the most impossible of situations. Alien beings who absorb humans. It’s like having a group of world eaters and no herald to divert them. How do Aric and his allies get out of this one? In a realm as small as the Valiant universe who else can you call upon? As a king Aric can’t wait for a cavalry, he has to work with the small band of warriors, GATE (an organization that deals with world threats) and Ninjak. Just what is Venditi planning for the wielder of Shanhara?
These liquefied, moving obelisks, looking as if they’ve been bathed in obsidian reveal a lot about the characters in this comic. For the High Priest it shows just how far removed the Vine are from their culture and heritage. Yes, their planet exploded but a civilization that old should have some connection or ties to the old ways. Instead they are only obsessed with reclaiming the sentient armor that rejected all their warriors. What does that say about the predicament they’re in now? Is it one of ignoring the past or having myopic vision? Shanhara is powerful and commander Trill (Aric’s greatest enemy) is understandably desirous of it. However, who’s to say that if Trill were to try it on that he wouldn’t be destroyed as well? He continually lusts after something that has rejected him and just can’t take no for an answer. Then there is mistreatment of the half-lings. Part human, part vine they are only accepted when the vine numbers dwindle.
Essentially they have been eradicating their race to the point where the Torment are barely interested in absorbing them. More importantly, there’s Aric. He’s a king with hardly anyone to rule. With the armor he may be more of a detriment than a savior. And since the inception of the Valiant universe things don’t end well for Aric. He’s not exactly around in the future like the Eternal Warrior in 4001 or even the near future with Ninjak. Does this mean that X-O Manowar is coming to an end – not so much the comic but Aric himself?
When elder gods are forgotten new ones often take their place. When Shanhara bonded with Aric in a way they became a new god. At the very least the armor has been worshiped. As a warrior, survivor and any reader knowing of his history, Aric is a true leader. He’s the first one into the fray. Whether it’s leading a small rebellion and losing his hand in the process or being a part of a team Aric has skills. But this time hurling himself towards his enemy may be too great a risk for the earth itself.
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